Tavita pays price for getting ejected

A change of jersey color silently heralded a restoration of order on the court.

Hawaii starting point guard Jace Tavita wore the white garb of a scout-teamer at Tuesday's basketball practice. It was the first on-court team session since Tavita was ejected from Saturday's 104-93 win over Chaminade on Molokai for his prominent involvement in two separate altercations with Silverswords players.

UH coach Gib Arnold said he would wait 48 hours after the game to make a disciplinary decision. The verdict: junior Garrett Jefferson took over first-team point guard duties, at least for now.

"Right now I'm on the scout team, just trying to make the team better, doing anything I can," a contrite Tavita said.

Tavita, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Utah, is a former scout-teamer who's averaged 6.3 assists in starting every game so far this season. But he will have to prove himself in a lesser role all over again while UH (5-3) heads into a loaded Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The Rainbow Warriors open Saturday against Miami, which is 7-1 and receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll. No. 4 Arizona and No. 18 San Diego State are the headliners.

"It's a learning experience. It's a physical game and I want our guys to play physical," Arnold said. "But you gotta know your limits, when not to cross the line. … Jace in particular understands that. He's apologized to the team, he even apologized to Chaminade. He's learned from that and we're going to move on from there."

Tavita earned his second technical of the game — and an automatic ejection — when he left the bench area to join center Vander Joaquim, who was confrontational toward Chaminade guard De'Andre Haskins after being fouled on a dunk with 3:39 to play. Joaquim was also given a technical.

Tavita was also whistled for a tech six minutes into the game for shoving Kevin Hu after the two collided while going for an airborne ball.

Upon ejection, the senior tri-captain said he knew he'd erred as he made the solitary walk to the second-floor locker room.

"I just wanted to express my feelings, let (my team) know I was sorry," Tavita said. "That was a very selfish thing to do, to let my emotions go before the team. I just apologized and I told Coach whatever disciplinary actions he asked (of) me, I'm ready to do that."

Joaquim missed Tuesday's practice entirely, but not for any disciplinary reason. He had a tooth pulled upon returning from Molokai and was instructed to go without contact for the day.

"This is a very disciplined team and a good group of guys," Arnold said. "We just let the emotions get to us a little bit."

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Pochowrote:

I think this is unfair for Jace, Joaquim the instigator of many tantrums in prior games gets away with it again.He's a team captain, you don't cry like that. You let the Coach handle it when officials/calls don't go your way.

on December 19,2012 | 04:21AM

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kailua1044wrote:

what do you mean? did joaquim get ejected from any of those games you are referring to?

on December 19,2012 | 05:21AM

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buds4lifewrote:

Sometimes while watching the Warriors' game I wish Joaquim would temper down his false machismo and just focus on the game. The Warriors will need some heady games from everyone because the DHC has one of the strongest fields.

on December 19,2012 | 05:34AM

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whatcanisaywrote:

Yes, Joaquim is usually the instigator, but you do not come off the bench and get involved with an altercation on the court.

on December 19,2012 | 08:41AM

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Hiroaki23wrote:

Vander needs to stop pretending to be Mr. Tough Guy and play ball down in the post. Stop trying to hit "3's" and play big man basketball instead of staring down at point guards. I keep saying it, Vander is Gib's pet like SS is for Chow. I still say play Fotu and Standardinger and play Vander off the bench.

on December 19,2012 | 01:31PM

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fairgame947wrote:

Tempers flare and emotions run high, but if what I read that Jace came off the bench to involve himself in an altercation is correct, that needs discipline by Gib. That behavior is unacceptable. I'm a season ticket holder I've seen every home game so far. I've enjoyed every game so far (except that 3 from Illinois) but discipline is important and it seems Jace has to learn a lesson. After all these are "student athletes".

on December 19,2012 | 07:07AM

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falsewrote:

All I got to say is Gib better start winning some games or he'll be out of a job.

on December 19,2012 | 07:27AM

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islandsunwrote:

Yes! At some point the on the job training ends for Gib.

on December 19,2012 | 11:18AM

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Eradicationwrote:

Didn't realize you were in charge of hiring and firing...I thought UH hired the AD from Ohio State. I guess you're the real AD?

on December 19,2012 | 10:55PM

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mishtahwrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 19,2012 | 10:40AM

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Muraokawrote:

Way to go Gib! Way to lay down the law. Careful how you swing that big nasty styrofoam hammer of discipline. You might actually hurt someone. Now we know exactly how important getting to 18 wins and a contract rollover is to you. Your true colors are vividly on display for all of us to see.